Forbes has released its 2025 ranking of the World’s Best Employers, spotlighting 900 companies across the globe, and several South African employers made the prestigious list.
The annual ranking, produced in partnership with market research firm Statista, surveyed more than 300 000 workers in over 50 countries. Employees from companies with over 1 000 staff were asked to evaluate their employers based on salary satisfaction, career advancement opportunities, work-life balance, and overall company reputation.
Responses were then analysed using a scoring model that factored in data from the past three years, with recent performance carrying greater weight.
Standard Bank named South Africa’s best employer
In South Africa, Standard Bank led the local field, earning a global ranking of 28th, the highest among all South African companies.
Nedbank followed as South Africa’s second-best employer, ranking 49th worldwide, while Absa came in third domestically and 97th overall.
Among non-financial companies, MTN was the top performer, ranking as South Africa’s fourth-best employer and 166th globally.
Sappi, the chemical and packaging company, secured the fifth position locally with a global ranking of 289, followed by Sasol, which landed 374th.
Mediclinic ranked 425th globally, placing seventh among South African employers, while Adcorp, a recruitment firm also active in Australia, rounded out the local list.
Globally, Microsoft took the top spot as the world’s best employer.
| Ranking in South Africa | Company | Global Ranking |
| 1 | Standard Bank | 28th |
| 2 | Nedbank | 49th |
| 3 | Absa | 97th |
| 4 | MTN | 166th |
| 5 | SAPPI | 289th |
| 6 | Sasol | 374th |
| 7 | Mediclinic | 425th |
| 8 | Adcorp | 444th |
